From Bonner and Middleton’s Bristol Journal – editorials all talk of either rebellions in America or French wars.

Notices placed by Matthew Brickdale and Henry Cruger, asking for support in the forthcoming Parliamentary elections. Notice of support for Lord Clare’s candidacy and a letter asking him to retire.

Cruger and Burke were elected, whilst Clare trailed miserably in the poles.

In 1776, the thirteen American colonies began fighting for independence from Britain. France, Spain and Holland supported the Americans. North America supplied the Caribbean islands with large amounts of food and supplies. The American colonies also bought a large amount of the sugar, rum and molasses produced. The resulting war seriously disrupted transatlantic trade, and Bristol merchants were affected by this. In the Caribbean, 3,000 slaves died as a result of food shortages caused by the war.